I don’t post stuff like this lightly, but my gut says I have to say something. This is not to to spread fear, but to educate. Since the beginning of the year, Queen Anne’s County’s OD numbers had stayed pretty steady. Not good, not great, just holding. But in the last couple of weeks, something has changed. We jumped from 8 to 12 non-fatal overdoses, & that’s was before the Baltimore event (where most users most likely get from, aside from Philly or DE) & now this week… we’ve had 2 fatal ones.… We’ve been lucked than most, but that’s still somebody’s child/loved one, at the end of the day. & honestly? It hits way too close to home.
In 2015, I lost my sister-in-law to an OD. She was alone when it happened. & that detail – her being alone – still haunts me to this day. I think about all the “what ifs.” What if someone had been there? What if she had Narcan nearby that could have been administered somehow. My sister wasn’t a “junkie.” She mattered. She was loved. She contributed to society- not just with her beautiful soul, but also her calm demeanor. What if she had just one more person in her corner?
That’s why I talk about this stuff. That’s why I carry Narcan everywhere I go. Thats why I’ll give it out wherever I got, when I have extra. That’s why I’m always offering to get it to people, no judgment, no questions asked.
Because this is still happening. & now we’re seeing a shift in the supply that makes everything WAY more dangerous, even for people who’ve been using for years & think they know their limits.
Here’s what I think is going on (based on experience, harm reduction work, & some research):
This spike isn’t about people using more: it’s more about what they’re using changing.
Right now, the supply is extremely unpredictable, as we know. Even scarier than usual.
• Fentanyl analogs are being cut in at higher potencies.
• Nitazenes are a new, super-potent synthetic opioid: some are up to 40x stronger than fentanyl. They’re showing up in street drugs without warning & can cause deadly OD’s that may need multiple doses of Narcan.
• Xylazine is still around, but I’ve heard it’s starting to drop off in parts of Maryland… & now medetomidine is popping up in its place.
• Like xylazine, it’s a veterinary sedative.
• Like xylazine, it doesn’t respond to Narcan.
• & like xylazine, most people don’t even know it’s in there.
• There are also benzo analogs & stimulants contaminated with fentanyl, so it’s not just opioid users at risk. People using cocaine or meth might not won’t even realize they’ve been exposed until it’s too late.
This isn’t fear-mongering. This is sadly reality. It’s happening right here, not just in cities.
So here’s what I need to say from the bottom of my heart: (for those still using)
• Please don’t use alone.
• Test your stuff.
• Start small.
• Carry Narcan, even if you think you’ll never need it. Even if it’s not for you.
• If someone goes down & doesn’t respond to Narcan, still keep giving it & call 911. Some of these new combinations need multiple doses & rescue breathing.
• And if you’re struggling, if you slipped, if you’re trying but life feels heavy – I see you. You’re not a failure. You’re human. If ready to end the misery that is addiction, stop by today. Even if MAT isn’t right for you, we can help you find other resources for more traditional rehabs, too.
To my friends in recovery (however you define that) & anyone just trying to survive right now: You matter. You’re not alone. Not everyone wants to pretend this isn’t happening. I’m here. I’ll bring you Narcan, talk, cry, listen, sit with you, whatever.
Let’s not lose more people we love. Please.
